A local business owner spoke to Warren City Council on Monday to praise the work of city staff as he rebuilt his business but also to contribute to damaged city equipment.

“The fire we had, the rebuild we had. We couldn’t have done it without the cooperation we got from the city,” Corky Fry, who owns Warren Tire Center, said.

The fire in June 2018 completely decimated the shop on Warren’s east side.

Fry specifically thanked the department’s director, Terry Williams, Ellen Nelson the department’s secretary, and commercial UCC Inspector Russ Braun.

“A lot of times I didn’t know what direction to turn,” Fry said. “They pointed me in a direction. And the people from Warren, the support we got from them.”

He said it was “absolutely ridiculous” that the insurance company wouldn’t cover the cost of the “crossing street lights” that were damaged in the fire.

City Manager Nancy Freenock said that the insurance company wouldn’t cover the cost of the damaged equipment because a cause of the fire was not determined.

But, on Monday, Fry presented a check to the city to cover the difference.

“He made the city whole,” Freenock said.

Fry reiterated that he “couldn’t be back open without the cooperation and help that we got from the city and the townspeople. Again, it’s a great day at Warren Tire Center.”

Mayor Maurice Cashman commended Fry and his employees for their work during the rebuilding process.

“The dedication that you have with your workforce is remarkable,” he said.

Lease agreement extended

Council also signed off on lease agreement for parking space on city-owned parcels with Allegheny Outfitters. The lease on the parcel across the street from the business was extended through October while the parcel adjacent to the store was extended until April 30, 2020.

City Manager Nancy Freenock said that city staff will be “waiting to see if anything else was doing to develop down there.”

Grant for police vehicles

Police Chief Brandon Deppen expressed a desire to apply for a USDA Rural Development Office grant that would essentially result in a grant to replace one of two police interceptor vehicles next year. He said his budget proposal for 2020 includes funds for both vehicles. The program would effectively cover the cost of one via grant and allow the city to finance the other, which would immediately be paid without penalty. Council approved submission of the application.

Backhoe purchased

Council also approved a purchase of a new backhoe to be paid for with funds from the city’s sewer fund. The backhoe would primarily be utilized at the sewer plant and the city’s salt shed. It’s also used for catch basin work. Total cost with trade-in of the city’s current backhoe is $86,759.